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This Toronto Crime Stoppers ad is up in 30 locations across the GTA, some in close proximity to City Hall and Queen’s Park. Facebook Twitter

This Toronto Crime Stoppers ad is up in 30 locations across the GTA, some in close proximity to City Hall and Queen’s Park.

TORONTO, Sept. 17, 2015 /CNW/ - A new campaign being launched this week asks Toronto community members to help law enforcement officials fight the growing problem of contraband tobacco and related organized crime.

"People can make a difference in their neighbourhoods and we really need their assistance," said former Toronto Police Staff Superintendent Gary Grant, Chair of Toronto Crime Stoppers. "It's essential that members of the public know that they can report information on contraband tobacco in their communities anonymously to Crime Stoppers and in some cases there may be cash rewards."

With MPPs back at Queen's Park, and the federal election campaign heating up, it's important that government decision makers and the public be aware of the ads located across Toronto as illegal cigarettes continue to be a complicated and serious problem in the city and across Ontario.

"Proceeds from the sale of contraband tobacco fund criminal activity in communities across southern Ontario, including Toronto, and this illegal trade directly funds other illicit activity involving firearms and drug smuggling," continued Grant. "In fact, the RCMP has identified about 175 organized crime groups involved in the illegal tobacco trade. This is why we've put up 30 large scale advertisements detailing the connection between organized crime and contraband cigarettes. These are up in select locations across Toronto, including areas close to City Hall, Toronto Police HQ and Queen's Park."

Toronto Crime Stoppers offers guaranteed anonymity and may lead to a cash rewards if tips lead to an arrest. Members of the public can anonymously report information about a crime by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (or 8477).

ABOUT TORONTO CRIME STOPPERSCrime Stoppers is a partnership of the public, police and media that provides the community with a proactive program for people to assist the police anonymously to solve crimes, thereby contributing to an improved quality of life. Each week, the media appeals for information about unsolved crimes that are highlighted in television, radio spots, newspaper articles and in various social media outlets such as YouTube, Twitter and Facebook. Individuals who have any information that will assist investigators are encouraged to call Crime Stoppers at 416-222-8477 (TIPS) or toll free at 1-800-222-TIPS. Crime Stoppers takes information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Calls are not recorded and Crime Stoppers does not have call display, guaranteeing that your identity remains anonymous. You will never be asked to identify yourself or testify in court.